ALBANY – Samuel J. Musella, 87, of Albany, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center. Sam was born in Albany, and lived here all his life. He was a graduate of Philip Schuyler High School, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a surgical technician in the Philippines. He then was employed for 35 years by the Honeywell Corp. within their sales division. He was a communicant of All Saints Catholic Church and the former St. Margaret Mary’s Church. He also was a member of the Guilderland Elks Lodge #2480 where he devoted countless hours to volunteer work at the VA Hospital, and to bingo and other lodge activities, and also served as a trustee. He also was a member of a group of Albany friends known as the Wigwam Club. Sam enjoyed dancing, and golfing, as well as travel and trips to casinos. Sam also enjoyed bowling with the Elks up until just a couple of years ago, and he was a devoted Yankees fan. His greatest joy in life was his family, which came first and foremost in his life.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Catherine “Cookie” Caradori Musella; his children Ralph Musella (Kathy) of Voorheesville, Dan Musella (Cathy) of Voorheesville, and Alida Jackson (Mike) of Colonie; his grandchildren David Musella, Katie DiGiovanni (Shawn), Kristen Belli (Frank), Danny Musella, Samuel Musella, and Alexa Jackson; his great granddaughter Mia DiGiovanni; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph, John, Ben, and Carmen Musella, and his sisters Carmella Cacciola and Mary Micheri.
Calling hours will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends are cordially invited and encouraged to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, Homestead St., Albany, Saturday morning at 9:00. Entombment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association, 155 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210; or to The Community Hospice at The Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the church, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
William DeWitt
April 2, 2014 at 6:12 pmAunt Cookie, so sorry about uncle Sam passing,I know there is a God and he does these things for a reason ,but now he is with all of ours and his family resting in peace, my prayers are with you and the kids, Billy & Beth
Michele Delehanty
April 2, 2014 at 7:13 pmDear Cookie, Ralph, Dan, Alida and families,
Ed and I cannot begin to tell you how deeply saddened we are at the loss of this wonderful man. Sam was larger than life. He loved you all unconditionally. We have so many wonderful, warm memories of Sam, especially his ability to carve a turkey!!! He will be missed by so many people. Take comfort in knowing how much he was loved.
Michele Delehanty
Sue Giusti
April 3, 2014 at 6:03 amAlida and family–I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Sam was a special guy and he will be missed by all. I am so glad I got to see him the last time I was in Albany. It was so nice reminiscing especially the times we would come home in the wee hours of morning and he would hear that door open and join us for oreos and milk. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Love,
Sue, Ron, Ronnie and Christopher
Debbie Pitaniello
April 3, 2014 at 9:20 amRalph and David-
We are saddened to hear of the loss of your father / grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie and Dave Pitaniello
Bill and Sue Gruss
April 3, 2014 at 10:16 amDan, Cathy, and family–
So sorry to hear of your loss. Hoping your wonderful memories will get you through the difficult days ahead.
Sue and Bill
Barry Hughes
April 3, 2014 at 3:27 pmRalph,
My condolences to you and your family. I will keep everyone in my prayers.
Barry
Allen Jones Jr.
April 3, 2014 at 3:44 pmCookie, Alida, Mike, Lexxie and all Musella Family:
I was saddened to learn of Sam’s passing. We shared a lot of good times, stories, jokes and haircuts together. We will all miss him and remember him fondly.
Sincerely,
Allen Jones Jr.
Jim Toomey
April 4, 2014 at 4:00 amRalph,
Deepest condolences to you and the family
on the passing of your father.
God Bless.
Jim Toomey
Bob Boyle
April 4, 2014 at 5:08 amMy deepest sympathy to all. Sammy was one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to know.
Bob
Yolanda Robilotto
April 4, 2014 at 11:06 amTo my dear sweet, childhood friend, Cookie. I was so saddened to hear of your wonderful husband, Sammy’s passing. My heart breaks for you. I always thought of him as a kind and gentle soul. Please know that I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time.
Mark Audino
April 4, 2014 at 3:34 pmRalph, You and your family have our (all of us at the Guilderland Post Office) deepest sympathy and prayers.
Frank Mellet
April 4, 2014 at 4:38 pmDan,
So sorry for your family’s loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Annie and Frank
Bob Donohue
May 3, 2014 at 12:31 pmCookie,
I just found out about your loss, Sam’s passing is a loss to all of those who knew or worked with him. I know that he made my time with Honeywell better. I always miss the happiness you and Sam projected into every get together we had. God Bless.